Mass. Senate working on utility bill

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - At least 800 State lawmakers want to do more to make sure utility customers aren't left in the dark.

The Massachusetts Senate is working on a bill that requires utility companies to be in regular contact with customers during power outages.

Just yesterday thousands of customers were without power as severe weather moved through the eastern part of the state.

“Residents from western Massachusetts and across the Commonwealth, if they have to go without power, go without it for the shortest time possible to make sure that the incentives are in place for the utilities to do that work as quickly as possible,” said Sen. Benjamin Downing.

Under this legislation, utility companies can be fined up to 20 million dollars if they fail to carry out their plans, and that money will be given to customers.